Author - Jerry Paxton

Syntech Launches New 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for Steam Deck

Syntech, an innovative manufacturer of quality and affordable electronic accessories and consumer technology products, has today announced the launch of its new 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for Steam Deck. Providing users with 6 different ports to meet most needs, and the ability to output to a 4K monitor or TV at 60Hz, it is a handy and ergonomically designed gadget to complement a Steam Deck gaming setup. The Syntech 6-in-1 Docking Station for Steam Deck is available for £39.99/$39.99 on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Perfectly compatible with Valve Steam Deck, the docking station is equipped with a HDMI 2.0 4K@60Hz output, a Gigabit Ethernet input, 3 X USB-A 3.0 output, and a USB-C 3.0 for full speed charging. This allows it to not only expand connectivity for a Steam Deck, but alsotidy up cabling, and provide a stable base for the device when not in use. Designed to add extensibility to a gaming setup, it helps to connect the Steam Deck to a wide variety of monitors, controllers and peripherals – or can be set up on a work deck or charge on a nightstand. With an impressive 4K@60Hz output, gamers can enjoy a HD visual gaming experience in the comfort of their own home and the Gigabit Ethernet allows the download and playing of games without any hindrance. Easily making any gaming setup neater by minimising messy cables, it can also be used as a base for other devices that use a USB-C port such as a smartphone, tablet or a Nintendo Switch. Perfect for ensuring there are no distractions and everything is within easy access!

The 6-in-1 Dock is ideal for those that are on the go and wish to take their dock with them when traveling thanks to its lightweight, durable and sturdy design. Placing a focus on performance, it may be small but it is also high quality and made of ultra-high temperature laminated PCB and tough ABS+PC materials. Also included are Anti-Slip thumb grips for the Deck, which improve accuracy and sensitivity when controlling games to give users an advantage when playing.

Compared to the square design of competing products on the market, the innovative round base design of the Syntech 6-in-1 Dock has a more streamlined and minimalist appearance, and matches perfectly with Steam Deck. The design of the base is larger and more stable which helps to enhance support stability and the silicone Anti-Slip pad further enforces this as it prevents the Steam Deck falling backwards. The dock is also compatible with most protective cases/covers.

A cleverly designed round chassis also prevents blockage of vents, to avoid overheating the Deck. The built-in superior smart chip also expands the compatibility of the USB-C hub with most Type-C devices, such as phones, tablets and laptops.

Pricing and Availability

The Syntech 6-in-1 Docking Station for Steam Deck is available for £39.99/$39.99 on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Action Adventure Game Strayed Lights Gets New Pre-Order Trailer

Developer Embers has shared a new pre-order trailer for upcoming action adventure game Strayed Lights, set to launch April 25 for $24.99 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GoG. Pre-order today via the game’s official website and receive the 120-page Strayed Lights digital art book plus the title’s soundtrack composed by the Grammy award-winning Austin Wintory for free.

In the new video, players will discover some of the glowing wildlife, treacherous environments, and merciless monsters that lie at the heart of Strayed Light’s meditative journey. The road to transcendence will require confrontation with eerie creatures that reside inside and outside the soul. Are you willing to open your eyes and take the first step?

In Strayed Lights, players will join an unbalanced being of light and darkness as it sets forth through a dreamlike world in order to achieve awakening. As the being grows from a lost child to a determined adult, players will venture across misty mountains, dark caves, broken cities, and luminescent ruins. Violent shadow creatures will stand in the tiny light’s path, but these monsters are meant to be soothed, not slaughtered.

Strayed Lights will challenge players to confront the monsters through a dynamic color-coordinated combat system. Shift between orange and blue states of being to parry enemy attacks and absorb their energy. Counter, strike, and parry with precision to unleash powerful bursts of energy capable of inflicting incredible damage. Master the moving masterpiece that is Strayed Light’s combat flow to quell a monster’s unrest and free them from their inner demons.

“Strayed Lights is a story about soothing overwhelming emotions corrupting us and restoring balance,” says Alexandre Arramon, co-founder and creative director at Embers. “In a few weeks, we hope action adventure fans of all ages will be able to relate to the tiny light’s journey of awakening and embark on their introspective odyssey. With an immersive soundtrack composed by the talented Austin Wintory and art that evokes a hand-painted feel in 3D, Strayed Lights is being made to inspire people everywhere to have a moment to feel their emotions.”

Strayed Lights’ Key Features:

  • Combat: Absorb the energy of your opponents with a familiar but innovative and challenging combat system
  • Creatures: Face your inner demons and soothe immense creatures who succumbed to their emotions
  • Journey: Unlock abilities and progress towards awakening while seeing your character grow from a newborn to an ascended being
  • World: Travel through dreamlike forests, misty valleys, broken cities and dark caves, search for ancient relics to reveal the history of these lands, and enjoy an ambitious soundtrack by Austin Wintory.

Strayed Lights will launch April 25 for $24.99 across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GoG. Pre-order today via the game’s official website to receive the 120-page Strayed Lights digital art book and the soundtrack composed by the Grammy award-winning Austin Wintory for free.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – Final Gameplay Trailer

Today at Star Wars Celebration in London, Respawn Entertainment, EA, and Lucasfilm Games debuted the action-packed launch trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Developed by the veteran team at Respawn under the leadership of game director Stig Asmussen, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will debut on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on April 28.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the sequel to 2019’s blockbuster hit Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and follows the continuing epic adventures of Jedi Knight Cal Kestis as he enlists the help of old friends and new companions in his fight against the growing threat of the Empire across the galaxy.

Taking place in London, England from April 7-10, Star Wars Celebration is a four-day event filled with major announcements, immersive exhibits, an interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, costumes and other surprises celebrating all things Star Wars! Star Wars Celebration is the ultimate fan experience focused on the galaxy far, far away…

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Series PS4 and Switch Release Date Trailer

SQUARE ENIX® today announced that the beloved FINAL FANTASY® pixel remaster series, previously only available on Steam® and mobile platforms, is launching digitally for PlayStation®4 (PS4™) console and Nintendo Switch™ system on April 19, 2023*. The pixel remaster series which comprises of FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY VI, brings all the magic of the originals combined with quality-of-life upgrades while staying faithful to the retro design of these masterpieces.

In FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series, players can expect some unique features for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch version, including the option to switch between the rearranged and original-based soundtrack for the game, as well as a choice of in-game fonts – players can now opt to play using the game’s default font or a pixel-based font. Additionally, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch players can also expect additional boost features to expand gameplay options, including switching off random encounters and adjusting experience gained multipliers between 0 and 4.

All six titles in the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series will be available to digitally purchase individually or as a complete series in the FINAL FANTASY I-VI BUNDLE from PlayStation™ Store or Nintendo eShop. Starting today, players can pre-order the Nintendo Switch version digitally. Players who purchase the Nintendo Switch version by May 25, 2023 will receive two themed Wallpapers based on the individual games(s) purchased from the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series. Players who purchase the complete series in the FINAL FANTASY I-VI BUNDLE will receive all 12 themed Wallpapers.

Players who purchase the digital edition of the game(s) on PlayStation 4 between April 19, 2023 – May 25, 2023 will receive a Theme and Avatar in accordance with the individual games(s) purchased from the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series. Players who purchase the complete series in the FINAL FANTASY I-VI BUNDLE will receive every Theme and Avatar included with the individual games which is a total of six Themes and six Avatars.

The FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series is also available for purchase as part of the FINAL FANTASY I-VI Bundle on Steam, the App Store®, Google Play™ and the Amazon App Store.

To learn more about each game in the FINAL FANTASY pixel remastered series, visit the official website for more information at: https://ffpixelremaster.com/

*FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch will be available to download from 8:00am PDT / 11:00am EDT on April 19, 2023.

Penny Arcade Raises 424K in Acquisitions Incorporated: The Series 2 Kickstarter

Penny Arcade’s popular live-play D&D series founded in 2008, Acquisitions Incorporated, rolled a natural 20 with its now closed Series 2 Kickstarter, exceeding its original goal by 170% for a whopping $424,478 earned in total! Having secured its Series 2 funding, this fantasy startup is ready to celebrate their 15th year of growth in style.

The successful funding of Series 2 will enable the pioneering live show to build upon its impressive legacy with bigger and more elaborate productions, highlighting the narrative prowess of dungeon-masters Jeremy Crawford, Lead Rules Designer of Dungeons and Dragons, and Series 1’s Chris Perkins, Senior Story Designer of Dungeons and Dragons.

As a pivotal trailblazer in the space, Acquisitions Incorporated paved the way for a new era of roleplay adventure podcasts, including household names like Critical Role and Dimension20. Now in its 15th year, its fandom and franchise have grown significantly to include annually anticipated live performances at Penny Arcade Expos (PAX), its own tabletop board games, and even an official D&D Sourcebook published in 2019.

“We’re basically a classic punk band getting the crew back together to show these kids how a real party’s supposed to go down, with more excessively nerdy fantasy stage designs, of course,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder, Penny Arcade. “Our entire cast is incredibly thankful to all of our backers and we can’t wait to make some magic for the world this summer.”

Acquisitions Incorporated: The Series 2 will star:

  • Jerry Holkins, co-founder of Penny Arcade and Acquisitions Inc.
  • Mike Krahulik, co-founder of Penny Arcade and Acquisitions Inc.
  • Jasmine Bhullar, Streamer and veteran of TTRPG live plays including Critical Role, Dimension20, and Penny Arcade’s Court of Cups
  • Anna Prosser, Producer, performing artist and mainstay in TTRPG actual plays including Acquisitions Incorporated and Dice Camera Action
  • More returning friends and special guests to be announced soon!

Acquisitions Incorporated: The Series 2 will kick off this September 2023. For further information, please visit Penny Arcade’s official website or follow Penny Arcade on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

QuakeCon 2023 to be In-Person and Feature BYOC

It’s official! After three years of digital-only events, QuakeCon 2023 will mark the return of the beloved BYOC, in-person at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas from Thursday, August 10 through Sunday, August 13.

“QuakeCon is our favorite event of the year, and we can’t wait to finally see our incredible QuakeCon community in-person again, celebrate games, and frag all weekend with thousands of friends,” said Marty Stratton, Studio Head, id Software. “For our first year back, QuakeCon 2023 is focusing on the fan favorite BYOC and the players that made QuakeCon the best gaming gathering for more than 25 years.”

The iconic fan gathering welcomes back its dedicated community with a reimagined and upgraded BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN party for four days of around-the-clock gaming, a host of fun activities, and meetups for old and new friends. In addition, as in recent years, a full slate of programming will be streamed live on Twitch from the BYOC floor for those unable to make the journey back to the QuakeCon homeland.

This year’s QuakeCon will be a ticketed-only event with admittance limited to pre-registered BYOC guests. With this year’s focus on the in-person BYOC experience, there will be no exhibit hall, and no General Admission for QuakeCon 2023.

In addition to the BYOC, many fan-favorite activities will return for ticketed attendees, including Tabletop Village, BYOC community events, and the QuakeCon Finals Party. QuakeCon will also play host to the annual esports finale of the Quake World Championships featuring Quake Champions as well as several vendors and experiences to support the BYOC. A full program, features, activities and layout for the show will be released soon.

REGISTRATION

Registration opens soon, so QuakeCon fans can grab a spot, plan travel, and get ready to hit the BYOC.

Tuesday, April 11 – NEW BYOC Elite Drawing Opens!

Elite BYOC Drawing – Introducing the New Elite BYOC Ticket, formally known as the UAC ticket. Enter for a chance to secure one (1) of these coveted ultra-premium tickets. If selected, you will have the opportunity to purchase the ticket and unlock all the perks, exclusive swag, and priority privileges of this top tier ticket.

Friday, April 21 – Full BYOC Premium and Standard Registration Opens

BYOC Premium & Standard Tickets – Premium packages (formerly QDQ) and Standard BYOC tickets include access to the BYOC, Tabletop Village, BYOC community events, and the Finals Party.

BYOC Guest Pass – Traveling with family or friends? This year we are focusing on the BYOC, therefore there will not be traditional General Admission tickets. If you plan to purchase a BYOC ticket, you will be allowed to bring up to two guests to the event with you, but you must add a request when you purchase your ticket(s).

Wednesday, May 10 – Quake Pro League Spectator Registration Opens

Quake Pro League Spectator Only Ticket – Not planning to LAN in the BYOC? This ticket allows access to watch the Quake Pro League (QPL) Tournament live! Access will be limited to the QPL tournament only.

Ahsoka Teaser Trailer and Poster Released

At STAR WARS Celebration in London, Disney+ and Lucasfilm unveiled the thrilling teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Disney+ original series “Ahsoka,” starring Rosario Dawson in the title role. Set after the fall of the Empire, “Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. The teaser trailer and poster are available.

In addition to Dawson, “Ahsoka” stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla. The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist is co-executive producer.

“Ahsoka” will debut exclusively on Disney+ in August 2023.

Ahsoka Poster – Click to Embiggen

Website: http://www.starwars.com
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/starwars
Twitter: @starwars; @DisneyPlus @AhsokaOfficial
Instagram: @starwars; @DisneyPlus @AhsokaOfficial
Facebook: @starwars; @DisneyPlus

Railway Empire 2 Release Date Trailer

Publisher Kalypso Media and developer Gaming Minds Studios have today confirmed the release date for Railway Empire 2, the successor to the award-winning railway management simulator. It’s full steam ahead May 25, 2023, when aspiring train tycoons can step into the world of the railroad revolution. Railway Empire 2 will be released with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (supported through Smart Delivery), PlayStation 4|5, and PC. The title will be released on Nintendo Switch™ later this year.

It’s the Industrial Revolution and you are tasked with taking over a small train company in the 19th century. Do you have what it takes to turn it into a railway empire of the ages? Railway Empire 2 builds upon all the best features of its predecessor and is bigger and better than ever before. Choose from sprawling maps across Europe or North America and grow your network with a selection of 60 historic locomotives. With expansive regional maps, improved track construction, and real-time terraforming, there’s no better time to unleash your inner conductor. Take on the 5-chapter campaign, 14 scenarios, free play, and construction modes, or team up with a fellow tycoon in the cooperative multiplayer mode for up to 4 players.*

Prepare for departure on May 25, 2023, when Railway Empire 2 will be released with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (supported through Smart Delivery) and PlayStation 4|5. The title will be released on Nintendo Switch later this year.

HYPERVIOLENT Early Access Launch Trailer

Fulqrum Publishing and Terminist Arcade are thrilled to announce that HYPERVIOLENT, the gloriously violent, retro FPS launches into Early Access today via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com.

Inspired by classic 90s sprite-based shooters, HYPERVIOLENT strands players on a remote asteroid-based mining colony where an ancient evil is awakened by man’s excessive lust for power. Using an extensive array of weapons players must submit their inner-aggression; blasting and chopping their way through hordes of monstrous foes as they unravel a bloodsoaked, cosmic horror mystery.

Nearly endless gun and melee combinations entice players to take their VIOLENCE to the next level, however, careful resource management and a keen eye are key to survival, for enemies can – and will – ambush them when they least expect it.

At Early Access launch players can experience the first five levels loaded with tense sci-fi horror action; taking on ten varied enemy types and two demanding boss battles in brutal first-person combat, using 12 different weapons. As the Early Access campaign progresses, HYPERVIOLENT’s single-player will expand to add completely different gameplay experiences, and upon full release, the game will introduce Multiplayer support alongside various thrilling game modes.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Hits Ultra HD and Blu-ray May 16th

Look out for the little guy! Ant-Man is back with the whole family, in their biggest adventure yet! Join Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet and Cassie as they take audiences deeper than ever before into the Quantum Realm – and face off against the all-powerful Kang the Conqueror.

Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania arrives on Digital April 18 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD May 16. Fans can add the film to their collection and access exclusive bonus content including deleted scenes, a gag reel and audio commentary by director Peyton Reed and writer Jeff Loveness.

Box Art

Film Synopsis

Super Heroes Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O’Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. 

Bonus Features*

Gag Reel

  • Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. 

Audio Commentary 

  • Watch the film with audio commentary by director Peyton Reed and writer Jeff Loveness.

Featurettes

  • All in the Family – Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Michelle Pfeiffer discuss the complex layers and secrets – yet incredibly strong bond of this heroic family.
  • Formidable Foes – Discover how Jonathan Majors, Bill Murray and Corey Stoll bring gravitas to the villains of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.  Learn more about how Kang brings a Thanos-level threat to this adventure and the larger MCU.

Deleted Scenes 

  • Drink The Ooze – Upon entering the Quantum Realm, Scott Lang nervously drinks the ooze.
  • I Have Holes – Veb expresses great excitement when he discovers he finally has holes.

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

Cast

Paul Rudd as Scott Lang

Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne

Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror

Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne

Michael Douglas as Hank Pym

Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang

David Dastmalchian as Veb

Katy O’Brian as Jentorra

William Jackson Harper as Quaz

Bill Murray as Lord Krylar

Directed by

Peyton Reed

Produced by

Kevin Feige, p.g.a.
Stephen Broussard, p.g.a.

Executive Producers

Victoria Alonso

Louis D’Esposito

Kevin de la Noy

Screenplay by

Jeff Loveness

Product Specifications

U.S. and Canada Street Date 

Digital: April 18, 2023

Physical: May 16, 2023

Product SKUs

Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD  

Physical: 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code), Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + Digital Code) & DVD

Feature Run Time

Approx. 125 minutes 

Rating

U.S.: Rated PG-13

Canada: Rated PG

Aspect Ratio

Digital: 2:39

Physical: 2.39:1

U.S. Audio

4K: English 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos and 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French 5.1 Dolby Digital

Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA and 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital 

DVD: English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, and English 2.0 Descriptive Audio

Digital: English Dolby Atmos (UHD only, some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms) 

Canada Audio

4K: English 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos and 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French 5.1 Dolby Digital

Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA and 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital

DVD: English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, and English 2.0 Descriptive Audio

Digital: English Dolby Atmos (UHD only, some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)

U.S. Subtitles

4K: English SDH, Spanish and French 

Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish and French

DVD: English SDH, Spanish and French

Digital: English SDH, French, Spanish (some platforms)

Canada Subtitles

4K: English SDH, Spanish and French

Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish and French

DVD: English SDH, Spanish and French

Digital: English SDH, French, Spanish (some platforms)